Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Vikings reward Childress with two-year contract extension

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November 20

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress is finally enjoying the fruits of his labor. "The plum job," as he referred to the Vikings' vacancy in January 2006, is ripe. At least for him. Childress on Thursday night signed a contract extension with the Vikings. Terms of the deal were not announced, but ESPN reported he was signed through the 2013 season and would make between $4 million and $5 million annually. Mike Holmgren was believed to be the league's highest-paid head coach, making $8 million a year before leaving the Seattle Seahawks after the 2008 season. "My family and I are very fortunate to be a part of the Minnesota Vikings organization," Childress said in a statement. "I value the ..."

Source: Childress, Vikings agree

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November 19

ESPN.com

"The Minnesota Vikings reached a contract extension with Brad Childress that will keep the coach with the team through the 2013 season, a source told ESPN.com Thursday. Financial terms weren't immediately available but it is believed to be between $4 million and $5 million a year, the source said. In 2006, Childress signed a five-year, $10 million contract, which was scheduled to expire after the 2010 season."

Childress' new deal isn't completed yet

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November 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Amid multiple reports Wednesday that Brad Childress is close to finalizing a multiyear contract extension with the Vikings, the coach said such information was "news to me" as he left the practice field. "I'm not even going there," Childress said, adding there also was a report in October that he was close on an extension. The NFL website reports the deal should be finalized and announced soon but later added the extension likely will be announced before the playoffs. Earlier reports suggested an extension might get done during the Vikings' recently completed bye week. Impending job security for Childress shouldn't come as a surprise, although some believe owner Zygi Wilf should wait to ..."

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress close to contract extension, reports say

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November 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress is close to being rewarded with a contract extension, according to reports. CBSSports.com, ESPN.com and NFL.com reported Wednesday the extension would be done soon but weren't specific. NFL.com reported the multiyear extension likely would be announced before the playoffs. The CBSSports.com report was written by Clark Judge, who reported essentially the same thing Oct. 20. He reported Nov. 10 that the talks had slowed; apparently they've heated up again. CBSSports.com reported that Childress is paid $2 million annually, making him the lowest-paid coach in the NFC North Division, but his salary could be doubled with the new deal."

Childress to get new deal "soon"

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November 18

CBSSports.com

"It appears a resolution to the Brad Childress negotiations is in the works and that the Minnesota head coach will gain a new contract in the near future. Sources close to the Vikings said that Childress, who is 8-1 and who has increased the team's victories with each year he's been in Minnesota, will be rewarded with a contract "soon," though they were not specific. It is unclear what is left to be done, but there are, sources said, no major obstacles left and an announcement is expected. At $2 million annually, Childress is the lowest-paid coach in the NFC North, but sources said that will change -- with Childress expected to at least double his annual salary."

Source: Childress close to new deal

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November 18

ESPN.com

"A contract extension for Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress that many thought would be done during the team's recent bye week will be done soon, according to a source close to the situation. Childress has one more year on his contract after this season. He has helped bring quarterback Brett Favre out of retirement and lead the Vikings to an 8-1 record that is good enough for first place in the NFC North."

Winfield aiming for Nov. 22

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November 14

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield, sidelined since for the past month with a fractured right foot, said he hopes to return against Seattle on Nov. 22. Winfield suffered the injury Oct. 18 against Baltimore and has been limited in practice this week. He was officially listed Friday as out for Sunday's game against Detroit. "I've been out the last couple days running on it, testing it," Winfield said. "It's good going forward, but I still have a little problem cutting. But I say next week I should be OK." Winfield said it has been frustrating to miss games, but he understands the healing process. "A lot of guys try to come back from injuries real early, and something else ..."

Winfield practices but status unclear

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November 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Antoine Winfield returned to Vikings practice Wednesday for the first time since injuring his right foot on Oct. 18, but it remains unclear whether the Pro Bowl cornerback will play Sunday against Detroit. Winfield had limited participation in practice after doing some conditioning work on the side on Monday. Winfield suffered the injury against Baltimore on Oct. 18 and then missed the final two games before the bye week. "He's done a great job of attacking this thing, and if at all possible he wouldn't miss one more snap," Vikings coach Brad Childress said. Winfield was unavailable for comment. Protecting the football Brett Favre has thrown the most interceptions in NFL history, but he ..."

Winfield hoping to be OK for Packers

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October 26

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Antoine Winfield left the locker room with a walking boot on his right foot Sunday, but the Vikings cornerback denied reports that he has a fractured foot and will be sidelined four to six weeks. Winfield did not play in the Vikings' 27-17 loss to the Steelers, and it is unclear when he will return. ESPN reported that Winfield could be sidelined a month, but Winfield said three times that he only suffered a sprain and considers himself "day-to-day." "It feels a lot better," Winfield said. "I was on crutches [until Friday]. Now I'm in the boot. I'm walking on it and not feeling any pain so my goal is to get back out here and play against the Packers." With the bye coming after Sunday's game ..."

Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield out with fractured foot, may return Nov. 22

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October 26

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield has a fractured right foot and the team is hopeful he can return to action within a month. Coach Brad Childress previously termed the injury a sprain. Asked if Winfield has a fracture, Childress said Sunday, "I'm not going there." He also declined to provide a timetable. "I can't tell you much. He's just on the mend," Childress said. "Really, it's a week-to-week deal. He made a lot of progress last week, and we'll see how he progresses this week. I thought those guys who played in his stead did a nice job." Childress also wouldn't rule Winfield out for next Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. "I learned a while ago not to rule him out, ..."

Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian out all second half Sunday with leg injury

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October 26

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian missed the entire second half of Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers with an apparent left hamstring injury. Berrian declined comment when asked about his injury. But he had a wrap around his left thigh as he dressed in the Vikings' locker room. Berrian suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason opener Aug. 14 against the Indianapolis Colts, and he didn't return until the season opener Sept. 13 against the Cleveland Browns. For the season, he is second on the team with 24 catches third with 252 receiving yards, including two touchdowns. The Vikings hope he can play next Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Berrian had his best game of the ..."

Brad Childress contract extension 'in the works'

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October 21

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A contract extension for Vikings coach Brad Childress could be finalized in the next two to three weeks, according to a report. The report Tuesday by CBSSports.com states an extension is "in the works" and comes two days after Childress' agent, Bob LaMonte, was seen in attendance at Sunday's game at the Metrodome against Baltimore. LaMonte had long planned a trip to Minnesota for the game. He visited with Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf and vice presidents Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski for at least five minutes on the field before the game. LaMonte declined to talk about the contract status of his client. Last week, Childress told the Pioneer Press he hadn't had any ..."

Status of Vikings' Winfield, Harvin uncertain for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh

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October 20

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"As they prepare to play the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, the Vikings will spend the next 24 hours assessing the health of several key players. Fortunate to avoid any major injuries since the exhibition season, the Vikings were concerned about the status of two key players, cornerback Antoine Winfield and rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin, coming out of Sunday's 33-31 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Harvin left the Metrodome on Sunday with his ailing shoulder in a sling, and Winfield left Winter Park on Monday with his right foot in a walking boot. "People heal so differently that it's just hard to know," Vikings coach Brad Childress said, when asked about ..."

Reports: Harvin will play today

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October 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"For the second time this season, there was doubt about whether Percy Harvin would play in a game. And for the second time Harvin is going to give it a go. Harvin, who suffered a shoulder injury last week at St. Louis and was listed as questionable on the injury report, will be active for today's game against the Baltimore Ravens. Harvin did not practice on Wednesday but was able to do limited work on Thursday and Friday. Harvin battled migraine headaches in the days leading up to the Vikings' victory over San Francisco in Week 3 but was able to play and returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. Harvin is third on the Vikings with 18 receptions for 233 yards with two touchdowns. Rookie ..."

Team drops Booty; Harvin is held out of practice

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October 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings parted ways with John David Booty on Wednesday, releasing the second-year quarterback from their practice squad. The move was somewhat surprising, considering the Vikings had signed Booty to their practice squad after waiving him during their final roster cuts before the season. A fifth-round pick out of Southern California last season, Booty spent his rookie season as the team's No. 3 quarterback. Booty became the fourth quarterback with Brett Favre's arrival, meaning he took hardly any reps in practice. The Vikings signed offensive tackle Clint Oldenburg to fill his spot on the practice squad. "We typically roll guys through the practice squad," coach Brad Childress said. ..."

NFL continues legal fight against two Vikings players who flunked drug test

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October 15

New York Daily News

"The NFL continued its legal fight against Minnesota Vikings Pat Williams and Kevin Williams Wednesday, asking a full panel from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a lower court ruling that allowed the two players to sue the league for violating state workplace laws. It is the latest development in a case that has called into question the strength and effectiveness of collective bargaining agreements in professional sports versus state laws, and some of the new challenges of disciplining drug cheats. The Williamses, who are not related, tested positive for the masking agent bumetanide last year, but avoided suspensions after taking their case to court. Although most of their case ..."

CB Griffin pleads guilty to DWI, gets fine, service

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October 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin pleaded guilty to drunken driving on Wednesday morning at Hennepin County's Ridgedale court facility. Griffin, who was arrested on Aug. 30 for the violation, paid a $300 fine and must put in two days of community service on a work squad. Griffin has 120 days in which to complete the sentence. The incident occurred when Griffin pulled his car over to the side of Hwy. 5 in Eden Prairie because he didn't feel it was safe for him to continue on the road. Police saw Griffin's car and made the arrest after finding him inside. Griffin, who was at practice on Wednesday afternoon at Winter Park, was arrested just before the Vikings left for their third preseason ..."

Thumbs up for Favre

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September 25

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Brett Favre's streak is not in danger: He has a bent fingernail. Favre's throwing hand was clearly hurting after his last throw for Minnesota in Sunday's win over Detroit. He was hit by two defenders in the fourth quarter during a touchdown pass to Percy Harvin. Favre got up and grimaced, glancing down at his hand and shaking it a few times before heading to the sideline. He didn't return with the Vikings winning, 27-10. Coach Brad Childress said Monday, however, that Favre is fine. "Not a fractured thumb, or a dislocated wrist or a season-ending injury," Childress said, playfully needling reporters about the heightened interest in any Favre-related information. "He bent his fingernail," ..."

Peterson's back 'not a big deal'

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September 25

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Adrian Peterson stepped onto the podium for his weekly news conference Thursday armed with a joke. Questions about his back, which landed him on the injury report this week, were inevitable, so he came prepared. He opened by saying he had a "weak back." Asked if that was the result of one particular collision, Peterson said, "It happened like a week back. But it's all behind me now." Rim shot. "You liked that, huh?" he said, smiling. Peterson later called his back injury "not a big deal at all," but he probably won't be in a joking mood on Sunday when he gets another crack at the team that handed him the worst performance of his career. The San Francisco 49ers used a creative scheme to ..."

Former Vikings receiver Bobby Wade agrees to deal with Kansas City Chiefs

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September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Veteran receiver Bobby Wade had options. But, ultimately, Wade decided to reunite with a familiar coach, according to his agent, Jerome Stanley. Wade signed a one-year contract Monday with the Kansas City Chiefs, who hired Todd Haley as their new head coach this year. Haley was the receivers coach in Chicago during Wade's rookie season in 2003. "He liked what coach Haley was building in KC," Stanley said. "In a lot of ways, it's similar to what he came to in Minnesota, with a different architect." Stanley declined to identify what other team was in the mix for Wade's services, saying only that it was a "high-profile" team. That is believed to be the Indianapolis Colts, who are ..."

NFL looks at possible report violation

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September 10

ESPN.com

"The NFL is looking into Brett Favre's remarks that he had a torn right biceps tendon last season even though he was not listed on the New York Jets' injury report, a league spokesman said in an e-mail. In the past, teams have been fined anywhere between $10,000 and $25,000 for not being forthright on their injury reports, but the amount of the fine depends on the violation, and could exceed that range. A team never has lost a draft pick for violating the injury report guidelines. On Wednesday, Favre, now the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, made it sound as if he had wanted to rest because of his torn biceps tendon last season -- his only year with the Jets -- but was persuaded to ..."

Bad last outing costs Booty a roster spot

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September 7

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Maybe that wasn't so hard after all. After several days of speculation about whether the Vikings would keep four quarterbacks, the team answered that question Saturday when it announced John David Booty had been placed on waivers as part of the final cutdown to the regular-season roster limit of 53 players. Among the other notable cuts were cornerback Marcus McCauley, who was a third-round draft pick in 2007, and tight end Garrett Mills. All five of this year's draft picks made the roster, including seventh-round safety Jamarca Sanford. Center Jon Cooper was the only undrafted rookie to stick. The Vikings also put a clear emphasis on special teams, a year after that unit gave up an ..."

Vikings sign quarterback John David Booty to practice squad

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September 7

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"John David Booty cleared waivers Sunday and was signed to the Vikings' practice squad, providing some clarity to a muddled quarterback mess. Booty, a fifth-round draft pick last year, was complicating the team's decisions at quarterback, with Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels on the roster. But Booty struggled this preseason, completing just 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception that was returned for a touchdown in Friday night's exhibition finale against the Dallas Cowboys. His preseason passer rating was 62.9. All the other NFL teams had a chance to take over his contract but ultimately passed. Booty headlines the Vikings' practice ..."

Wade reworks contract

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September 4

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Although there has been speculation that Bobby Wade's roster spot with the Vikings might be in jeopardy, that almost certainly isn't the case. That's because, according to people with knowledge of the situation, the veteran wide receiver has agreed to restructure the five-year, $15 million contract he signed in March 2007. Instead of earning $3 million this season, Wade is believed to have come to an agreement to make somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 million. Wade has led the Vikings in receptions each of the past two seasons, but first-round draft pick Percy Harvin is expected to take over the role as the team's primary slot receiver. It's possible that if Wade had refused to rework ..."

Report: Favre could have cracked rib

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August 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Wathing about five hours of "SportsCenter" paid off today. Throughout the day ESPN has been having members of its "Monday Night Football" crew file reports over the phone to build anticipation for tonight's game on the network. Well, sideline reporter Michele Tafoya came through with an interesting bit of news this afternoon. Tafoya reports that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre said he suspects he might have cracked a rib when he took that big hit on a blitz from Kansas City linebacker Corey Mays in his first preseason appearance on Aug. 21. Favre was in for only two series and threw four passes. The hit by Mays was Favre's final play of the night. Favre shared this information in a ..."

Agent: Vikings release WR/KR Glenn Holt

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August 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Minnesota Vikings released wide receiver Glenn Holt this morning, his agent announced on Twitter. Drew Rosenhaus offered no other details, but said he's confident Holt will be claimed on waivers by another team. Holt was signed this offseason as a possible solution at kick returner and for depth at receiver. But with first-round pick Percy Harvin projected as the starting kick returner, Holt didn't fit in."

Sage Rosenfels on Vikings signing Favre: 'This wasn't what I was hoping for'

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August 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Minnesota Vikings traded for Sage Rosenfels in the offseason to compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting quarterback job. The signing of Brett Favre today relegates the former Houston Texans quarterback to competing for the top backup spot. Rosenfels addressed the situation at Winter Park today. Following are excerpts from that interview. Q: When you found out, what was your initial reaction? A: It's something that wasn't a total shock. This has been three months, and an ongoing thing. For me, personally, this wasn't what I was hoping for. I tried to get traded here, and got traded here. But in my nine years, this is the best football team I've ever been on. We've got so much ..."

Source: Favre to sign with Vikings

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August 18

ESPN.com

"A source close to Brett Favre said the quarterback, pending a physical, will sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings for between $10 million to $12 million, according to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen. Vikings coach Brad Childress confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press Tuesday morning that Favre was traveling from Mississippi to meet with the team. Asked if the plan was to sign Favre on Tuesday, Childress replied: "In a perfect world." Favre, a longtime star in Green Bay, came out of retirement last season to play for the Jets. He retired again, only to then entertain the idea of joining the Vikings. Last month, Childress said the quarterback would stay retired. The ..."

Favre signs with Vikings

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August 18

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre will be a Viking after all. Three weeks after the future Hall of Fame quarterback told the Vikings he had decided to remain retired, he arrived in Minnesota and signed a contract at Winter Park. A 5 p.m. news conference to introduce Favre is scheduled. "We believe adding a player such as Brett Favre to our mix will be a strong positive for this football team," coach Brad Childress said in a release. "As we have conveyed before, his unique knowledge of our system, the NFC North and his innate skills make this a rare opportunity. We felt there was a brief window to reconsider the possibility and we owed it to the organization to evaluate our options. After thorough discussion, ..."

The vibe at Vikings camp: Favre could come back

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August 17

Foxsports.com

columnist Jay Glazer

"If I were a betting man, I'd swear Brett Favre would be joining the Vikings in the next few weeks, or at least attempt to join the team in that time frame. Wait a minute, I am a betting man. Now, first off, this is not one of those "FOXSports.com has learned ..." news scoops. Instead, it's a picture that has been painted for me and a prediction I'm making after spending my time with Zygi Wilf's squad. My prediction couldn't be more emphatic. After visiting the Vikings for two days, I am convinced — positively convinced — that Brett Favre will soon have talks with the Vikings to return to the team and could be joining them for this season after all. If my instincts are correct, all those ..."

Three teams Michael Vick should be calling: Redskins, Vikings and Rams all might be a good fit

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August 13

New York Daily News

"Michael Vick is coming back to play quarterback in the NFL, and right now he and his agent, Joel Segal, are looking for a team that's going to give him that opportunity. But where? Where is the best place for the former Falcon to restart his career? If I were Segal, these are three teams I'd be calling - burning up the phone lines and selling the idea of Vick as the future at the quarterback position. 1. Washington Redskins I played three seasons for Daniel Snyder's 'Skins, and I know firsthand that he likes to bring in talent, regardless of the situation. And one thing we have to understand is that all publicity - good or bad - is right for the city of D.C. Because one thing Mr. Snyder ..."

Minnesota Vikings replay: QB battle

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August 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Highlights: Tarvaris Jackson completed a deep pass to Jaymar Johnson on an easy play after cornerback Benny Sapp fell. That was perhaps the easiest completion of the day for Jackson, who hasn't yet stamped his claim on the starting role in the competition with Sage Rosenfels. Rosenfels completed a throw in the back of the end zone to Sidney Rice, who made a great one-handed catch. Lowlights: Jackson had a short pass to Jim Kleinsasser knocked away when Eric Frampton made a great play on the ball. Percy Harvin dropped a pass from Jackson in passing drills. Jared Allen had a sack on Rosenfels, and Letroy Guion probably would have hit Rosenfels before Rice's touchdown if contact had been ..."

Vikings' third-string QB Booty keeps pushing

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August 9

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"John David Booty appeared to be in trouble when he slipped to the ground while dropping back to pass in a team drill Friday night. However, the Vikings second-year quarterback quickly got to his feet, gathered himself and zipped a 25-yard pass to Vinny Perretta. It wasn't a textbook completion by any means, and it was only one play in one training camp practice. But it did offer a glimpse of Booty's improvement and his potential as he continues to navigate the difficult learning curve as a young NFL quarterback. "It does take time for any position, especially at quarterback with everything we have to know," he said. "I really feel I've come a long ways in a year but still have tons of ..."

Harvin signs 5-year deal

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August 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings signed first-round wide receiver Percy Harvin to a five-year contract on Sunday. Harvin's agent, Joel Segal, said his client was en route to Mankato this morning and the Vikings say Harvin will arrive in time for today's 3 p.m. practice. It's the Vikings only scheduled practice today. "Percy is excited to get to camp," Segal said. "He was talking about wanting to be at practice and getting ready to start helping the club win a lot of football games." Harvin, the 22nd overall pick in the draft last April, missed the first two days of training camp (four practices) while negotiations between Segal and Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski continued. Segal ..."

Talk of Childress extension will wait

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August 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said he is pleased with the team's coaching staff but wouldn't go into detail when asked about a potential contract extension for head coach Brad Childress. Childress will be entering the fourth season of a five-year contract in 2009. "We never make any pre-conditions on how the season should turn out or what conditions would be necessary," Wilf said Friday. "We're very happy with our coach and the coaching staff and the players. We're very excited for this year. That doesn't ever come into my mind." Wilf seems to be taking a wait-and-see approach with Childress, who led the Vikings to a 10-6 record and the NFC North title last season. The Vikings were eliminated in ..."

Antsy Childress waiting on Harvin

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July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings coach Brad Childress described himself as a "worry wart" this time of the year, so naturally he expressed concern that first-round draft pick Percy Harvin remained unsigned on the eve of today's first practice of training camp. Speaking Thursday at his pre-camp news conference, Childress said he didn't expect the rookie wide receiver from Florida to arrive "at least right this second." Childress said negotiations between vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski and Harvin's agent, Joel Segal, were ongoing. Harvin missed a day of team meetings, and Childress reiterated the importance of rookies getting to camp on time. "You hate to see players miss, because those reps ..."

Childress closes door on Favre option

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July 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress this evening essentially ruled out the possibility of adding future hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre. "I'm more than content with these guys competing with each other," Childress said, referring to Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson, "and throwing J.D. Booty in the mix.'' Childress said he was not aware of Favre's comment to Sports Illustrated leaving open the slight possibility of changing his mind down the road. But when asked if the door was definitely closed to adding Favre, Childress said, "You know what, there's not a chance from my standpoint. I'm going forward with the guys we have. We'll have a great football team one way or another.""

Minnesota Vikings players, coaches put talk about Brett Favre behind them

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July 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre left the door open, and Brad Childress slammed it shut. After informing the Vikings that he was not prepared to un-retire Tuesday afternoon, Favre hedged hours later in an interview with Sports Illustrated. "I truly, truly believe it's over," Favre told Sports Illustrated. "But if someone calls Nov. 1, who knows?" That someone won't be Childress. The Vikings coach made that point clear Wednesday evening as he arrived at Minnesota State Mankato for the start of training camp. "It's hard for me to comment on comments I didn't hear," Childress said, "but I am more than content to go forward with the guys we have in camp right now." Childress immediately was asked by a ..."

Vikings turn page on Favre

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July 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre might not be able to guarantee he will remain retired this season, but if the quarterback is going to return, it apparently isn't going to be with the Vikings. A day after Favre told Vikings coach Brad Childress he didn't feel he could handle the grind of an NFL season, Childress made it clear he is "more than content" with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels competing for the starting job. "Obviously [Favre] has gone his way, and we are going our way," Childress said. Asked if something could happen down the line with Favre, Childress said: "There's not a chance from my standpoint. I'm going forward with the guys that we have. We'll have a great competition, we'll have a great ..."

With Brett Favre out of the picture, who'll quarterback the Minnesota Vikings?

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July 29

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Vikings are back to where they started at the quarterback position. Now it's up to Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels to prove themselves. In Brett Favre, the Vikings were hoping to get a future hall of famer who could lead them to a Super Bowl. Favre's decision Tuesday to remain retired means the Vikings are moving forward with two players who never have won a playoff game. There are far more questions about their abilities. The Vikings need a quarterback who can manage the game and avoid critical turnovers. Neither Jackson nor Rosenfels has consistently shown that ability. "If you look at strengths and weaknesses of both guys, turnovers and protecting the football are a negative for ..."

Top pick Harvin still unsigned; No. 2 Loadholt could sign today

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July 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings received resolution on one very big situation Tuesday, but they still have some unfinished business as players begin reporting to training camp today in Mankato. The team's top two draft picks -- first-round wide receiver Percy Harvin and second-round right tackle Phil Loadholt -- remained unsigned. However, there are indications that Loadholt could have a deal in place today and report on time. It's not unusual for rookie negotiations to go down to the last minute or longer. The Vikings signed three rookies -- safety Tyrell Johnson, quarterback John David Booty and center John Sullivan -- hours before they reported to training camp last year. Harvin's situation likely will go ..."

Source: Favre staying retired

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July 28

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Judd just received a phone call from Brad Childress who said he talked to Brett Favre and that he was informed that Favre is staying retired. Childress cited the daily grind both mentally and physically as part of the reason why Favre remained retired. "I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress said. "He knows our system inside out … This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team.""

Favre not ready to announce decision to play with Minnesota Vikings -- or not

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July 26

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre still isn't ready to decide about playing for the Vikings, ESPN reported Friday, citing the quarterback's agent. ESPN's Rachel Nichols reported that she had spoken to agent Bus Cook after Cook had spoken at length to Favre Friday morning, and Cook said a decision might come at the beginning or middle of next week. "(Favre) just doesn't feel ready yet," Nichols reported, recounting her conversation with Cook. "There are some things he's still considering." Last week, Favre told the Associated Press that he would decide by July 30, the deadline for Vikings players to report to training camp. Nichols reported that Favre's friends and family had hoped he would decide Friday. But ..."

Favre anguished over whether to play again

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July 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"And on the 87th day he was anguished. Two-plus months after the Brett Favre-to-the-Vikings soap opera began, and days before a decision was expected to be announced, ESPN reported Thursday that the 39-year-old quarterback "remains anguished about whether he should come out of retirement and join the team." Did anyone really think the saga would end today? ESPN's latest report suggests that any decision by Favre probably won't come until next week and it even raises doubt about whether he will meet his self-imposed deadline of July 30. That is the drop-dead day for Vikings players to report to training camp in Mankato, with the first practice scheduled for the following day. Citing a ..."

Sources: Favre anguished over choice

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July 23

ESPN.com

"With Minnesota Vikings players scheduled to report to training camp in less than a week, Brett Favre remains anguished about whether he should come out of retirement and join the team. That decision, according to sources, has become more difficult in recent days because of the efforts of Vikings players including Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson, all of whom have now begun calling and texting Favre in an attempt to convince him to become Minnesota's starting quarterback. "If it weren't for the involvement of the Vikings players directly telling Brett they want him on their team, I think he might have already decided against playing again,'' a source said. A source said ..."

Larson will issue ruling by Aug. 7 in Williamses' case

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July 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"By Aug. 7, Hennepin County District Court Judge Gary Larson will issue a ruling on whether Kevin and Pat Williams can play for the Vikings this season. The judge conducted one final hearing Wednesday morning with lawyers for the NFL and the Pro Bowl defensive tackles, who were found to have taken a banned substance -- unwittingly, they say -- and were suspended for four games. The matter has been playing out in federal and state courtrooms since last winter, with issues still pending in both jurisdictions. The NFL wants Larson to delay any proceedings on the matter until after a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals hears appeals of a ruling by federal Judge Paul ..."

Favre expected to decide on whether or not to join Vikings by Friday

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July 20

NFL.com

"If Brett Favre were deciding upon a 19th NFL season that involved a venue closer to his Hattiesburg, Miss., home -- say New Orleans -- the answer would already be yes. If there was a regular-season game to be played in two weeks, his answer would already be yes. Minus those deal-makers, Favre is mulling the potential deal-breakers. He thinks his body —- and specifically his arm —- can withstand season-long exertion. He questions whether he wants to endure the toil of a training camp, a preseason, and all of the mandatory NFL minutiae. Ultimately, the Minnesota Vikings expect the answer to be yes."

Childress says he is willing to wait on Favre decision

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July 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"Anybody who believes it is a cinch that Brett Favre will be in training camp when the Vikings start preparing for the 2009 season better not wager too much on that happening. Yes, a lot of us in the media have written that it's all but a sure thing that the three-time NFL MVP will play quarterback for the Vikings this fall. Wednesday, Favre told the Associated Press that he won't make up his mind until just before the Vikings open training camp on July 30, with his health the biggest concern. However, coach Brad Childress is willing to wait for a decision. "He is pushing to see if he feels like he can make it back. He is not going to play this game unless he can play the way that everybody ..."

Favre says he'll let Vikings know by July 30

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July 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Brett Favre watch is going to last a little longer, although the retired quarterback acknowledged Wednesday that he's "running out of time." Favre said in an interview with the Associated Press on Wednesday that his right arm felt "pretty good" after a workout in Mississippi, but that he's not ready to commit to playing for the Vikings because he wants to make sure he can be effective for an entire season. Favre said he will give the Vikings an answer before the start of training camp. The Vikings deadline for reporting to Mankato is July 30 with the first practice scheduled for the following day. Favre's comments confirmed an ESPN report this week that said the 39-year-old retired ..."

Are money issues holding up deal between Brett Favre and Minnesota Vikings?

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July 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"The longer it takes for the Vikings to announce that Brett Favre will be their quarterback next season, the more it appears that money is the holdup. The Vikings plan to put single-game tickets on sale Monday. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, obviously knows that. He also knows if/when Favre's signing is announced, the Vikings will reap boatloads of new cash in ticket and apparel sales. It's clear that Cook and Favre have enough leverage to extract at least a $10 million deal for the coming season, assuming Favre remains healthy. Ultimately, it's up to owner Zygi Wilf to determine Favre's worth to the Vikings, who certainly are justified in offering an incentive-laden contract. Favre was paid $12 ..."

Vikings Trade Rumors